Hillhead launch for new MPA contractor safety initiative

‘Safer by Partnership’ to address competence of contractors, agency workers and casual labour

WITH a history of major success in reducing accidents over a 10-year period, the Mineral Products Association (MPA), the industry’s principal trade body, has Zero Harm as its overarching goal. In 2011, the MPA launched its ground-breaking ‘Safer by Competence’ policy, which aims to generate and maintain demonstrable competence across the wide spectrum of operational companies in membership.

In recognition of the key role of contractors in this ambitious challenge, ‘Safer by Partnership’ – the latest in the MPA’s ‘Safer by….’ family of initiatives – has focused attention and resources on this vital area of the supply chain.

With the prospect of a professional contractor database as its anchor, ‘Safer by Partnership’ will comprise: a Contractors Charter; a series of active Regional Focus Groups; and an MPA Toolkit. The Charter will harness contractors’ and clients’ minds to work together in true partnership and to contribute to the achievement of Zero Harm.

Issues to be addressed will include the personal competence of contractors, sub-contractors, agency workers and casual labour. In parallel, efforts are being ramped up to improve the take-up of the Mineral Products Qualifications Council’s Contractors’ Safety Passport Scheme, itself subject to a recent major upgrade.

‘Safer by Partnership’, which is being supported by both MPQC and the Institute of Quarrying, will be launched on 19 June at Hillhead 2012 during a special event sponsored by Finning Caterpillar and Volvo Construction Equipment.